And now, time for something unique: the Ultimarc T-Stik
Plus. What makes this joystick so special is its ability to switch between
4-way and 8-way operation from the top of the control panel, without opening
anything up.

The Ultimarc T-Stik Plus Joysticks

The Ultimarc T-Stik Plus is available in both pear-top
and ball-top versions. The "on-the-fly" switching method requires
you to grab the joystick handle, lift, and twist. A special latching mechanism
on the bottom of the joystick engages and flips the "switch" that
converts the joystick from 8-way to 4-way operation or vice-versa.

The Custom "Lift and Twist" Switching Mechanism

I was really impressed with the elegant and
simple way this joystick handles the 4/8-way switch. The "Grab, Lift, and
Twist" method is great, and the latching system doesn't interfere at all
during normal joystick operation.

Installing the T-Stik Plus isn't too difficult, as long
as you remember the cardinal rule of joystick installations: remember
what order the parts attach in! You have to unscrew the switching
mechanism to remove the shaft for installation, and there are several
small parts that are important not to lose. Other than that, the installation
is fairly typical, and not that difficult.

Feel

The T-Stik plus is a "short-throw" joystick, meaning
the range of motion is much less than a typical joystick: for example,
while the Happs Competition joystick has a "travel" of 15 degrees, the
T-Stik Plus only moves about six degrees off of the perpendicular.

The T-Stik Plus also only engages about 1 degree before
the end of the range of motion. This, combined with the short travel, produces
a sensation which can throw off gamers accustomed to the relatively generous
range of motion of the Happ joysticks, which engage roughly half-way through
their travel.

So, is this "short-throw" motion good or bad? Neither — it's
just different. It produces, in my opinion, a very "crisp" feel to the
joystick, and only light pressure is required to engage the joystick, despite
it having a very firm feel. This is a joystick for "finesse" motions rather
than hard-core joystick jockeying.

Sound and Size

Time for the "clickiness factor": the
T-Stik has it in spades — this is one very "clicky" joystick,
with firm microswitches that produce a very noticeable clicking sound when
they engage. Ultimarc does offer a special "light action" set
of microswitches that require less pressure to engage, and are also somewhat
quieter (though still louder than the Happs joysticks)

The video below
shows the Balltop (with the default microswitches) and the peartop (with
the light action microswitches), compared to a Happs Competition joystick:

The T-Stik has two handle types, the Pear-top and the
Balltop. The pear-top handle sits 2.5"
high when installed, and has a 1.25" diameter
handle top. This height and width was identical to the Happs Competition
joystick.

The Balltop version is available in two shaft sizes:
2.5" for
metal control panels, and 2.875" for wood control panels. Even with
the longer shaft, however, the balltop was noticeably shorter when mounted
in a wood control panel.

Size comparison of the Happs Competition to the T-Stik Plus Balltop

Gameplay

The T-Stik Plus is a great joystick for fast, quick direction
changes. The short travel and solid, firm feel provide a great sense of
control. The feel is different, so it will take some adjusting to, and
the joystick is noisy, even with the optional light action microswitches.

Still, the overall impression the joystick provides is
one of solid precision and control.

Joystick Stats

The following chart lists the joystick test results,
current as of this review. The chart will continue to fill in with data
as the "Joystick Roundup" continues.

The Ultimarc T-Stik Plus definitely stands out as a unique
joystick, one that may be an "acquired taste," but one that also
brings a lot to the table in terms of performance. I have to give special
props to Andy at Ultimarc for the elegant 4/8-way switching mechanism,
which is convenient, easy to use, and doesn't interfere with normal game
play. If you only have room for one type of joystick but still want good
8-way and 4-way performance, this is an excellent joystick choice.

Special Thanks to Ultimarc for providing the T-Stiks
used in this review.